| Boat Basin | |
|---|---|
 The vista across the Boat Basin from the north to the southwest. | |
  Boat Basin | |
| Location |  Sindh |
| Coordinates | 24°49′12″N 67°00′36″E / 24.820°N 67.01°E |
| Type | Artificial |
| Primary inflows | Nehr-e-Khayyam |
| Primary outflows | Chinna Creek |
| Basin countries | Pakistan |
| Max. length | 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Settlements | Clifton, Karachi |
The Boat Basin (Urdu: بوٹ بیسن), located in Clifton, Karachi, is a small human made, sea inlet.
Location[edit]
Connected to Chinna Creek on its western side, it is bordered by a park, Boat Basin Park, on its northern and eastern waterfronts. Near Karachi Grammar School, there's an influx of water from Nehr-e-Khayyam, a wastewater channel, contributing to water pollution.
The National Sailing Center is positioned on the southern side, where are some remains of mangroves, while the western side is bordered by a railway line, separating the densely populated Sikanderabad settlement from the waters.
History[edit]
The Boat Basin, extending westward from Chinna Creek, has experienced gradual degradation, attributed to human interventions dating back to the 19th century.[1] Driven by economic motives to optimise harbour utilisation, alterations were made to reduce tidal differences, thereby affecting the natural flow of sea water into the Basin.[1] Consequently, Clifton and Keamari, initially islands, became connected to the eastern and northern coastland respectively, forming the current basin but disrupting the crucial influx of fresh sea water.
Environmental Challenges[edit]
The Boat Basin, serving as a crucial link between neighbouring blackwater drainages such as the Nehr-e-Khayyam, is a focal point for the accumulation of untreated wastewater and toxic waste, precipitating the degradation and loss of its natural flora and fauna.[2][3] Studies have shed light on the alarming pollution levels within the creek, uncovering a diverse range of hazardous pollutants stemming from domestic and semi-industrial sources floating through the Boat Basin as well.[4] These pollutants pose substantial risks to marine life and overall ecosystem integrity.[5]
Development[edit]
The original pond, founded in 1912 for sailing and motorboats, boasted four piers and spanned 21 acres.[6]
The surroundings of the basin have evolved from being primarily for boating visitors into a lively commercial and recreational hub, with many restaurants, cafes, and food stalls at Khayaban-e-Saadi.[7] It's a popular dining spot for Karachiites, especially in the evenings and on weekends, owing to its vibrant atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings.
References[edit]
- ^ a b Brunton, J. Forrest (1913). "Karachi". Journal of the Royal Society of Arts. 61 (3148): 477–499. ISSN 0035-9114. JSTOR 41340573. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
- ^ Moeen, Heba (14 October 2019). "Karachi's polluted sea". Dawn. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
- ^ Masood, Tooba (30 April 2018). "Call for cleaning Nehr-i-Khayyam, Boat Basin". Dawn. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
- ^ Majeed, Rabia; Fatima, Syeda Urooj; Khan, Muhammad Azher; Khan, Moazzam Ali; Shaukat, Syed Shahid (11 January 2021). "Spatio- temporal analysis of pollutants in Karachi coastal water". EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality. 42: 6–21. doi:10.6092/issn.2281-4485/11099. ISSN 2281-4485. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
- ^ Kiran, Ayesha; Murtiza, Ghulam; Yousaf, Amna; Hussain, Muzzamal; Al Jbawi, Entessar (15 December 2023). "A critical analysis of legal responses to water pollution in Pakistan". Cogent Social Sciences. 9 (2). doi:10.1080/23311886.2023.2254944. ISSN 2331-1886.
- ^ Tunio, Hafeez (24 February 2019). "Forgotten stories of Karachi's coastal islands uncovered". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "Wahab inaugurates renovated food street at Boat Basin". The News International. 26 February 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2024.